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Doyon K, Flint K, Albright K, Bekelman D. Improving Benefit and Reducing Burden of Informal Caregiving for Patients With Heart Failure: A Mixed Methods Study. J Cardiovasc Nurs 2024:00005082-990000000-00222. [PMID: 39348302 DOI: 10.1097/jcn.0000000000001137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few randomized clinical trials test the effect of interventions on heart failure caregiver well-being. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a patient-focused symptom and psychosocial collaborative care intervention (Collaborative Care to Alleviate Symptoms and Adjust to Illness) on heart failure caregiver depression, burden, and benefit-finding. METHODS A sequential explanatory mixed-method design was used in the context of a multisite, randomized clinical trial. Self-reported caregiver depression, burden, and benefit-finding were assessed at baseline and 12 months. Thematic analysis was conducted on social worker documentation of a psychosocial intervention with caregivers. RESULTS One hundred one caregivers were randomized to usual care or Collaborative Care to Alleviate Symptoms and Adjust to Illness. There were no significant differences in caregiver depression, burden, or benefit-finding between usual care and Collaborative Care to Alleviate Symptoms and Adjust to Illness. Caregiver outcomes were discussed in 42% of intervention notes, highlighting varied and complex caregiver experiences. Inductive analysis reaffirmed the complexity and range of caregiver needs and experiences. CONCLUSION A patient symptom/psychosocial intervention did not impact caregiver well-being. Interventions should target specific needs of caregivers.
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Walshe C, Dunleavy L, Preston N, Payne S, Ellershaw J, Taylor V, Mason S, Nwosu AC, Gadoud A, Board R, Swash B, Coyle S, Dickman A, Partridge A, Halvorsen J, Hulbert-Williams N. Understanding barriers and facilitators to palliative and end-of-life care research: a mixed method study of generalist and specialist health, social care, and research professionals. BMC Palliat Care 2024; 23:159. [PMID: 38918771 PMCID: PMC11202245 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-024-01488-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care provision should be driven by high quality research evidence. However, there are barriers to conducting research. Most research attention focuses on potential patient barriers; staff and organisational issues that affect research involvement are underexplored. The aim of this research is to understand professional and organisational facilitators and barriers to conducting palliative care research. METHODS A mixed methods study, using an open cross-sectional online survey, followed by working groups using nominal group techniques. Participants were professionals interested in palliative care research, working as generalist/specialist palliative care providers, or palliative care research staff across areas of North West England. Recruitment was via local health organisations, personal networks, and social media in 2022. Data were examined using descriptive statistics and content analysis. RESULTS Participants (survey n = 293, working groups n = 20) were mainly from clinical settings (71%) with 45% nurses and 45% working more than 10 years in palliative care. 75% were not active in research but 73% indicated a desire to increase research involvement. Key barriers included lack of organisational research culture and capacity (including prioritisation and available time); research knowledge (including skills/expertise and funding opportunities); research infrastructure (including collaborative opportunities across multiple organisations and governance challenges); and patient and public perceptions of research (including vulnerabilities and burdens). Key facilitators included dedicated research staff, and active research groups, collaborations, and networking opportunities. CONCLUSIONS Professionals working in palliative care are keen to be research active, but lack time, skills, and support to build research capabilities and collaborations. A shift in organisational culture is needed to enhance palliative care research capacity and collaborative opportunities across clinical and research settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Walshe
- International Observatory On End-of-Life Care, Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
| | - Lesley Dunleavy
- International Observatory On End-of-Life Care, Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Nancy Preston
- International Observatory On End-of-Life Care, Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Sheila Payne
- International Observatory On End-of-Life Care, Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Amy Gadoud
- Lancaster Medical School, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Ruth Board
- Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Preston, UK
| | | | - Seamus Coyle
- The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Andrew Dickman
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | | | - Jaime Halvorsen
- NIHR Clinical Research Network North West Coast, Liverpool, UK
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3
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Becqué YN, Rietjens JAC, van der Heide A, Witkamp E. Failed implementation of a nursing intervention to support family caregivers: An evaluation study using Normalization Process Theory. J Adv Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38884574 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the failed implementation of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool Intervention for family caregivers in end-of-life care, within a trial context using Normalization Process Theory (NPT). DESIGN An evaluation study was conducted to learn lessons from our trial, which was not successful due to the low number of participants. The evaluation study utilized various data sources, including published data from interviews and questionnaires, and unpublished data derived from emails and conversation notes. METHODS Data were retrospectively collected. Thematic analysis was conducted guided by the NPT framework. This framework emphasizes that successful implementation of an intervention relies on its 'normalization', consisting of four constructs: coherence, cognitive participation, collective action and reflexive monitoring. RESULTS Coherence (sense making): Nurses felt the intervention could contribute to their competence in assessing family caregivers' needs, but some were unsure how it differed from usual practice. Cognitive participation (relational work): Nurse champions played a crucial role in building a community of practice. However, sustaining this community was challenging due to staff turnover and shortages. Collective action (work done to enable the intervention): Nurses felt the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool training enabled them to improve their support of family caregivers. However, contextual factors complicated implementation, such as being used to a patient rather than a family-focused approach and a high workload. Reflexive monitoring (appraisal of the intervention): Positive experiences of the nurses with the intervention motivated them to implement it. However, the research context made nurses hesitant to recruit family caregivers because of the potential burden of participation. CONCLUSION Although the intervention demonstrated potential to assist nurses in providing tailored support to family caregivers, its integration into daily practice was not optimal. Contextual factors, such as a patient-focused approach to care and the research context, hampered normalization of the intervention. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND/OR PATIENT CARE Assessing and considering contextual factors that may influence implementation of a complex care intervention is needed. The NPT provided a valuable framework for evaluating the implementation process in our study. IMPACT What problem did the study address? This evaluation study analysed the factors that promoted or hindered the implementation of a nursing intervention to support family caregivers in end-of-life care. What were the main findings? Both the intervention and the intervention training have potential and value for nurses in providing tailored support to family caregivers. However, the implementation faced challenges due to organizational factors and the research context, including recruitment. Where and on whom will the research have an impact? This insight is valuable for all stakeholders involved in implementing complex nursing interventions, including researchers, nurses and funders. REPORTING METHOD This study has adhered to the relevant EQUATOR guidelines: Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION There was no patient or public involved. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was prospectively registered on the Dutch Trial Register (NL7702).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne N Becqué
- Research Centre Innovations in Care, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Judith A C Rietjens
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Design, Organisation and Strategy, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes van der Heide
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Erica Witkamp
- Research Centre Innovations in Care, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Aoun SM, O’Brien MR, Knighting K. Using the Carers' Alert Thermometer tool to identify needs and support family caregivers of people with motor neurone disease: moving beyond needs assessments. Palliat Care Soc Pract 2024; 18:26323524241228306. [PMID: 38347888 PMCID: PMC10860492 DOI: 10.1177/26323524241228306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Family caregivers of people with motor neurone disease (MND) experience adverse health outcomes as a result of their caregiving experience. This may be alleviated if their support needs are identified and addressed in a systematic and timely manner. The objective of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and relevance of the Carers' Alert Thermometer (CAT) in home-based care, from the perspective of MND family caregivers. The tool provides a formal structure to facilitate discussions with caregivers to enable needs to be addressed. Methods This mixed-method study was conducted in Western Australia (2020-2021). Forty-one caregivers and five MND Advisors participated in trialling the CAT intervention which consisted of two encounters with Advisors (6-8 weeks apart) to identify and address support needs through action plans. Caregivers' feedback was obtained via telephone interviews and a thematic analysis was undertaken. Results Thirty caregivers completed two CAT assessments. Caregivers identified support priorities of managing their feelings and worries, providing emotional or spiritual care, information about the person's condition and how their care needs might change. Seventeen caregivers were interviewed and found that this assessment process adequately addressed their needs and it should be continued, it brought the focus onto them to clarify problems and work through solutions. The improvements that were suggested by them, including better information/education in palliative care, led to the development of an online support/information toolkit, which served to empower caregivers and staff by accessing relevant information and resources. Conclusions The CAT demonstrated utility for triaging caregivers most in need of additional support and those whom signposting to additional information and self-directed access to support was most appropriate. For any tool to become an integrated part of care, service provider support is key for implementation, allowing for the time resource required and an appropriate education and support structure. MND Associations have an important role in building stronger partnerships with supportive community networks, through compassionate communities models of care, to address the identified needs of MND families in a more sustainable and wholistic manner. Needs assessment is a means towards building this capacity between formal and informal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar M. Aoun
- University of Western Australia and Perron Institute, 8 Verdun Street, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Mary R. O’Brien
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, UK
| | - Katherine Knighting
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, UK
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Narayanan SP, Mohanty S, Mohanti BK, Rath H, Atreya S, Rout A, Mahapatra S. Comparative effectiveness of verbal instruction versus video-based education (VIVid) among family caregivers for improving the quality of life in advanced head and neck cancer patients receiving palliative care in Eastern India: a randomized controlled trial. Qual Life Res 2023; 32:3495-3506. [PMID: 37530959 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-023-03484-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine if video-based educational intervention compared to the standard verbal guidelines, provided to caregivers on home-based palliative care could enhance the quality of life (QoL) in advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. METHODS The study employed a prospective, two-arm parallel-group, randomized controlled trial design. Investigators prepared a real-world demonstrational video of ten minutes duration regarding home-based care for family caregivers, with voice-over in Odia language (Eastern India). The contents of the video addressed the management of common problems in palliative care among HNC patients. This study included 180 participants, 90 patient & caregiver dyads randomized to interventional (video-based education) or control (verbal instruction) groups. Patients' QoL was measured at baseline and 3 weeks follow-up using EORTC QLQ C30. Data were analyzed descriptively, and the Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, T-test, spearman correlation, and multiple hierarchical regression analyses were employed for statistical analysis, with a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS Seventy participant dyads completed the planned two assessments: baseline and at the end of 3rd week (Intervention = 37; Control = 33). The intervention group showed a significant improvement in the patient's health-related QoL, physical, emotional, and social functioning. Symptom burden reduction was observed for pain, nausea, and fatigue. A significant increase in the change in QoL with the video-based education group (VBE) compared to the verbal instruction (VI) group after adjusting for age, gender, physical functioning, and pain symptomology (adjusted R2 = 0.402) was noted. CONCLUSION VBE intervention using smart-phone may offer caregivers a viable means of enhancing self-management while improving patients' QoL within the socio-cultural challenges for home-based palliative care in India. Further research on training caregivers using digital interventions and home-based visits is recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CTRI/2021/06/034473 [Registered on: 30/06/2021].
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Priya Narayanan
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, S.C.B. Dental College & Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, 753007, India.
- Pain and Palliative Unit, Acharya Harihar Post-Graduate Institute of Cancer, Cuttack, Odisha, 753007, India.
| | - Sumita Mohanty
- Pain and Palliative Unit, Acharya Harihar Post-Graduate Institute of Cancer, Cuttack, Odisha, 753007, India
| | - Bidhu Kalyan Mohanti
- Bagchi Sri Shankara Cancer Centre, Infovalley, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751024, India
| | - Hemamalini Rath
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, S.C.B. Dental College & Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, 753007, India
| | - Shrikant Atreya
- Department of Palliative Care and Psychooncology, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, West Bengal, 700160, India
| | - Archana Rout
- Pain and Palliative Unit, Acharya Harihar Post-Graduate Institute of Cancer, Cuttack, Odisha, 753007, India
| | - Shilpa Mahapatra
- Department of Public Health Dentistry, S.C.B. Dental College & Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, 753007, India
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Adams A, Miller-Lewis L, Tieman J. Learning Designers as Expert Evaluators of Usability: Understanding Their Potential Contribution to Improving the Universality of Interface Design for Health Resources. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4608. [PMID: 36901617 PMCID: PMC10001568 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
User-based evaluation by end users is an essential step in designing useful interfaces. Inspection methods can offer an alternate approach when end-user recruitment is problematic. A Learning Designers' usability scholarship could offer usability evaluation expertise adjunct to multidisciplinary teams in academic settings. The feasibility of Learning Designers as 'expert evaluators' is assessed within this study. Two groups, healthcare professionals and Learning Designers, applied a hybrid evaluation method to generate usability feedback from a palliative care toolkit prototype. Expert data were compared to end-user errors detected from usability testing. Interface errors were categorised, meta-aggregated and severity calculated. The analysis found that reviewers detected N = 333 errors, with N = 167 uniquely occurring within the interface. Learning Designers identified errors at greater frequencies (60.66% total interface errors, mean (M) = 28.86 per expert) than other evaluator groups (healthcare professionals 23.12%, M = 19.25 and end users 16.22%, M = 9.0). Patterns in severity and error types were also observed between reviewer groups. The findings suggest that Learning Designers are skilled in detecting interface errors, which benefits developers assessing usability when access to end users is limited. Whilst not offering rich narrative feedback generated by user-based evaluations, Learning Designers complement healthcare professionals' content-specific knowledge as a 'composite expert reviewer' with the ability to generate meaningful feedback to shape digital health interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Adams
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Lauren Miller-Lewis
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
- School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity Australia, Wayville, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia
| | - Jennifer Tieman
- Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
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Zapata CB, Dionne-Odom JN, Harris HA, Kalanithi L, Lin J, Bischoff K, Fazzalaro K, Pantilat SZ. Honoring What We Say We Do: Developing Real-World Tools for Routine Family Caregiver Assessment and Support in Outpatient Palliative Care. J Palliat Med 2023; 26:376-384. [PMID: 36608316 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2022.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Family caregivers are essential to the care of patients with serious illness and supporting caregivers alongside patients is a core tenet of palliative care. While there is increasing recognition of the need to support family caregivers, there are limited resources to assess and support their needs in a systematic way in outpatient palliative care practice. Objectives: The aim of this study is to develop an approach to conducting assessments of routine needs and support of family caregivers in outpatient palliative care practice using a quality improvement framework. Setting: Seven, interdisciplinary, outpatient palliative care teams in California collaborated in this study. Measurements: Family caregivers were surveyed about levels of distress and support using a 10-point scale and asked about specific areas of need for support. Usefulness of a supportive caregiver resource was also measured on a 10-point scale, in addition to qualitative assessment of clinician satisfaction and feasibility of routine caregiver assessment and support. Results: Seven hundred thirty-six caregiver needs assessments were conducted and 44 supportive tool kits were distributed. A majority of family caregivers reported moderate or severe distress related to caregiving (score ≥4 on a 10-point scale). The most common sources of distress included emotional distress, worry caregiving was negatively impacting their own health, and planning for the future. Most caregivers reported feeling moderately or very well supported, most commonly by family, friends, and faith/spirituality. Caregivers rated the supportive tool kit an 8.4 on a 10-point usefulness scale and 92% would recommend it to others. Conclusions: We successfully developed and piloted practical clinical tools for routine family caregiver screening and support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly B Zapata
- Division of Palliative Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Heather A Harris
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Jessica Lin
- Stanford University Medical Partners, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Kara Bischoff
- Division of Palliative Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Steven Z Pantilat
- Division of Palliative Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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8
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Chatland LE, Harvey C, Kelly K, Paradine S, Bhagat M, Hudson BF. Research participation in palliative medicine-benefits and barriers for patients and families: rapid review and thematic synthesis. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2023; 13:35-44. [PMID: 34404745 PMCID: PMC9985719 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2021-003093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research is essential for gathering evidence to inform best practice and clinical decision making, for developing and testing new treatments and services in palliative and end-of-life care (PEoLC). The participation of patients, carers and family members is essential, however, personal and ethical concerns are often cited by professionals as barriers to recruitment. There is evidence that patients and family members can benefit from participation in PEoLC research. AIM To synthesise the evidence regarding patients', family members' and carers' experiences of participating in PEoLC research. To identify recommendations for enhancing the experience of participants. DESIGN A qualitative rapid review and thematic synthesis. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, PsycINFO and PubMed were searched from 2010 to 2020. Studies reporting patients', family members' or carers' experiences of participating in PEoLC research were included. RESULTS 4 studies were included and 7 themes identified relating to the benefits of, and barriers to, participation in PEoLC research. Both altruistic and personal benefits of participation were reported. Barriers (negative aspects) to participation included feeling overwhelmed, practical issues, reminders of being a patient, not seeing the research as relevant to them and unmet needs. CONCLUSIONS A number of benefits (positive aspects) surround participation in PEoLC research. However, several barriers (negative aspects) can prevent or discourage participation. This review has identified recommendations for research teams to enhance the experience, and number of people who those participating in research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Meena Bhagat
- Research and Policy Team, Marie Curie, London, UK
| | - Briony F Hudson
- Research and Policy Team, Marie Curie, London, UK
- Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, University College London, London, UK
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9
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Hudson PL, Gardiner C, Alvariza A, Nicholas Dionne-Odom J, Öhlén J, Carduff E, Harding R, Witkamp E, Payne S. Strategies and checklist for designing and conducting palliative care research with family carers: EAPC international expert elicitation study. Palliat Med 2023; 37:163-173. [PMID: 36380493 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221136162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Palliative care services seek to improve the wellbeing of family carers of people living with serious and life-limiting illness. To help achieve this goal, systematic reviews have recommended priority areas for family carer research and the need to improve the quality of study design. Policy makers have also advocated for enhanced family carer support. However, there are specific methodological considerations and challenges in designing and conducting carer research conducted during the course of the serious illness trajectory and in bereavement. AIM To develop strategies to improve the design and conduct of research with family carers. DESIGN Expert elicitation study using an adapted version of the 'Identify, Discuss, Estimate and Aggregate' elicitation protocol, supplemented with strategies from peer-reviewed literature. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Nine members of the management committee of the European Association for Palliative Care's Reference group on family carer research, comprising international senior research academics in family caregiving. RESULTS A compilation of recommended strategies and checklist was created to: (a) help researchers plan research involving family carers focussing on: preparation, conduct and dissemination and (b) assist ethics committees and funding bodies to evaluate proposals. CONCLUSIONS The strategies and checklist for conducting research with family carers may enhance methodologically rigorous research. Consequently, researchers, practitioners and policy makers will not only gain a more comprehensive understanding of the unmet needs of family carers but also promote the development of empirically sound interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- P L Hudson
- Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.,University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C Gardiner
- Health Sciences School, University of Sheffield, UK
| | - A Alvariza
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Palliative Research Centre, Marie Cederschiöld University, Stockholm, Sweden.,Capio Palliative Care, Dalen Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - J Öhlén
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, and Centre for Person-Centred Care (GPCC), Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Palliative Centre, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Västra Götaland Region, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - E Carduff
- Marie Curie Hospice Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - R Harding
- Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Palliative Care, King's College London, Cicely Saunders Institute, London, UK
| | - E Witkamp
- Research Center Innovations in Care, Department of Public Health, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - S Payne
- International Observatory on End of Life Care, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
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10
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van Esch HJ, Stoppelenburg A, van Zuylen L, van der Rijt CC, van der Heide A. When a dying patient is asked to participate in a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial on symptom control: The decision-making process and experiences of relatives. Palliat Med 2022; 36:1552-1558. [PMID: 36503315 PMCID: PMC9749009 DOI: 10.1177/02692163221127557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Placebo-controlled trials can provide evidence to inform end-of-life care, but it is contested whether asking dying patients to participate in such trials is morally justifiable. To investigate the experiences of these patients is even more complex. Therefore, proxy assessments by relatives can be a good alternative. AIM To explore the experience of participating in a placebo-controlled trial at the end of life from the perspective of bereaved relatives. DESIGN Mixed-method study, including questionnaires and interviews. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS The SILENCE study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the efficacy of scopolamine butylbromide to prevent death rattle. The study was performed in six inpatient hospice facilities. Patients were asked to participate at admission in the hospice. Three months after the death of the patient, bereaved relatives were invited to fill in a questionnaire and to participate in an interview. One hundred four questionnaires were completed and 17 relatives were interviewed. RESULTS Fourteen percent of the relatives participating in the questionnaire study considered the participation of their loved one in research a bit burdensome and 10% considered it a bit stressful. Seventeen percent thought that it was a bit burdensome for the patient. Eighty-three percent considered participation in this type of research (very) valuable. The in-depth interviews showed that patients and relatives jointly decided about participation in this double-blind placebo-controlled medication trial. Relatives generally respected and felt proud about patients' decision to participate. CONCLUSION The large majority of bereaved relatives experienced the participation of their dying love one in this RCT as acceptable and valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriëtte J van Esch
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Laurens Cadenza, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arianne Stoppelenburg
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lia van Zuylen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Cancer Centrum Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carin Cd van der Rijt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes van der Heide
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Kremeike K, Bausewein C, Freytag A, Junghanss C, Marx G, Schnakenberg R, Schneider N, Schulz H, Wedding U, Voltz R. [DNVF Memorandum: Health Services Research in the Last Year of Life]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2022. [PMID: 36220106 DOI: 10.1055/a-1889-4705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This memorandum outlines current issues concerning health services research on seriously ill and dying people in the last year of their lives as well as support available for their relatives. Patients in the last phase of life can belong to different disease groups, they may have special characteristics (e. g., people with cognitive and complex impairments, economic disadvantage or migration background) and be in certain phases of life (e. g., parents of minor children, (old) age). The need for a designated memorandum on health services research in the last year of life results from the special situation of those affected and from the special features of health services in this phase of life. With reference to these special features, this memorandum describes methodological and ethical specifics as well as current issues in health services research and how these can be adequately addressed using quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods. It has been developed by the palliative medicine section of the German Network for Health Services Research (DNVF) according to the guidelines for DNVF memoranda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Kremeike
- Zentrum für Palliativmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Köln, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Claudia Bausewein
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Palliativmedizin, LMU Klinikum München, München, Deutschland
| | - Antje Freytag
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Christian Junghanss
- Hämatologie, Onkologie und Palliativmedizin, Zentrum für Innere Medizin, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Rostock, Deutschland
| | - Gabriella Marx
- Institut und Poliklinik Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | | | - Nils Schneider
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin und Palliativmedizin, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Holger Schulz
- Institut und Poliklinik für Medizinische Psychologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Ulrich Wedding
- Abteilung Palliativmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Raymond Voltz
- Zentrum für Palliativmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Köln, Köln, Deutschland
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12
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McPhillips MV, Petrovsky DV, Brewster GS, Li J, Gooneratne NS, Hodgson NA, Sefcik JS. Recruiting Persons with Dementia and Caregivers in a Clinical Trial: Dyads Perceptions. West J Nurs Res 2022; 44:557-566. [PMID: 33870784 PMCID: PMC8522183 DOI: 10.1177/01939459211008563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recruitment for dementia research is challenging and costly. Using Ajzen's Theory of Planned Behavior we explored attitudes, perceived norms, and perceived behavioral control of persons living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers who participated in one clinical trial to better understand factors that influence dyads' decisions to enroll. We conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 12 PLWD and 9 caregivers and utilized directed content analysis. Categories connected with positive attitudes about study enrollment were personal desires of wanting to learn and in-person meetings with knowledgeable staff. Additionally, participants said the money always helps in terms of the financial incentive. Participants reported enrolling to support another person (perceived norm). Study requirements were thought to be easy (perceived behavioral control). Participants highlighted the importance of flexible scheduling and study tasks being completed at their home. Findings can inform future recruitment efforts and should be investigated as effective recruitment methods in other clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Glenna S. Brewster
- Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Junxin Li
- School of Nursing, John Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nalaka S. Gooneratne
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nancy A. Hodgson
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Justine S. Sefcik
- College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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13
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Herbst FA, Schneider N, Stiel S. Long-distance caregiving at the end of life: a protocol for an exploratory qualitative study in Germany. Palliat Care 2022; 21:69. [PMID: 35546403 PMCID: PMC9095417 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-022-00967-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Of the approximately 4.7 million people in Germany caring for a relative, many live at a geographical distance from their loved one. The provision of remote care to a terminally ill patient is associated with specific challenges and burdens. In the German context, research is lacking on the specific experiences and needs of caregivers in end-of-life situations who are geographically distanced from their relative. Thus, the overarching goal of the proposed study is to detail the specifics of long-distance caregiving at the end of life in Germany, determining the role played by physical distance in shaping end-of-life caregiving and identifying the needs of long-distance caregivers in this situation. Methods The exploratory qualitative study will be guided by an inductive logic, drawing on one-time semi-structured interviews. To uncover the multiplicity of caregiving experiences, long-distance caregivers of both patients receiving early palliative care and patients at a very advanced stage of disease will be included. The study will be divided into five phases: (1) preparation and pretest, (2) data collection and primary analysis, (3) data analysis and interpretation, (4) advisory board workshop and (5) conclusions and recommendations. Discussion The study will aim at generating valuable insight regarding the experiences and needs of family caregivers of end-of-life patients. This is particularly relevant, given that families are becoming increasingly geographically dispersed. As this trend continues, it will challenge traditional models of family care and shed light on novel caregiving issues that will need to be addressed through social and health policy. Trial registration The study was prospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien) (Registration N° DRKS00024164; date of registration: January 25, 2021), and is searchable under the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform Search Portal of the World Health Organization, under the German Clinical Trials Register number. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-022-00967-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska A Herbst
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Nils Schneider
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephanie Stiel
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
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14
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Salehi D, Zarani F, Fata L, Sharbafchi MR, Lobb E. I didn't want to remember memories of caring, but I can't help it": A qualitative study of the experiences of bereaved Iranian carers with elevated levels of prolonged grief symptoms. DEATH STUDIES 2022; 47:139-148. [PMID: 35147075 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2022.2036270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The lived experience of caring for people with cancer and the influence of culture on Iranian carers who have elevated levels of prolonged grief symptoms after the death has received little in-depth attention. Bereaved carers (N = 17) were interviewed. All showed high levels of prolonged grief symptoms. Thematic analysis resulted in four overarching themes: unfamiliarity with cancer, high involvement in carer's role, lack of processing events, and emptiness. The way that carers of cancer patients understand and cope with their caring role and their dominant cultural context can make their grieving process complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaram Salehi
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Behashti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Zarani
- Department of Psychology, Shahid Behashti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ladan Fata
- Department of Psychology, Iran University of medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Sharbafchi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Ala Cancer Prevention and Control Center, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Elizabeth Lobb
- Calvary Palliative and End of Life Care Research Institute, Calvary Health Care, Kogarah, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, Australia
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15
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How can we improve the experiences of patients and families who request medical assistance in dying? A multi-centre qualitative study. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:185. [PMID: 34876104 PMCID: PMC8653618 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00882-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Medical assistance in dying has been available in Canada for 5 years, but it is unclear which practices contribute to high-quality care. We aimed to describe patient and family perspectives of quality of care for medical assistance in dying. Methods We conducted a multi-centre, qualitative descriptive study, including face to face or virtual one-hour interviews using a semi-structured guide. We interviewed 21 english-speaking patients found eligible for medical assistance in dying and 17 family members at four sites in Canada, between November 2017 and September 2019. Interviews were de-identified, and analyzed in an iterative process of thematic analysis. Results We identified 18 themes. Sixteen themes were related to a single step in the process of medical assistance in dying (MAID requests, MAID assessments, preparation for dying, death and aftercare). Two themes (coordination and patient-centred care) were theme consistently across multiple steps in the MAID process. From these themes, alongside participant recommendations, we developed clinical practice suggestions which can guide care. Conclusions Patients and families identified process-specific successes and challenges during the process of medical assistance in dying. Most importantly, they identified the need for care coordination and a patient-centred approach as central to high-quality care. More research is required to characterize which aspects of care most influence patient and family satisfaction. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-021-00882-4.
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16
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Haan MM, Olthuis G, van Gurp JLP. Feeling called to care: a qualitative interview study on normativity in family caregivers' experiences in Dutch home settings in a palliative care context. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:183. [PMID: 34837984 PMCID: PMC8626934 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00868-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family caregivers, such as partners or other family members, are highly important to people who desire to stay at home in the last phase of their life-limiting disease. Despite the much-investigated challenges of family caregiving for a patient from one's direct social network, lots of caregivers persevere. To better understand why, we aimed to specify how normative elements - i.e. what is considered good or valuable - shape family caregivers' experiences in Dutch home settings. METHODS From September 2017 to February 2019, a total of 15 family caregivers, 13 bereaved family caregivers, and 9 patients participated in one-time in-depth interviews. The data were qualitatively analyzed following a grounded theory approach. RESULTS Central to this study is the persistent feeling of being called to care. By whom, why, and to what? Family caregivers feel called by the patient, professionals entering normal life, family and friends, or by oneself; because of normative elements of love, duty, or family dynamics; to be constantly available, attentive to the patient while ignoring their own needs, and assertive in managing the caring situation. The prospect of death within the palliative care context intensifies these mechanisms with a sense of urgency. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis showed a difference between feeling called upon in the caring situation on the one hand, and how caregivers tend to respond to these calls on the other. Taking into account the inherent normative and complex nature of family caregiving, the pressing feeling of being called cannot - and perhaps should not - simply be resolved. Caring might be something families just find themselves in due to being related. Rather than in feeling called upon per se, the burden of care might lie in the seeming limitlessness to which people feel called, reinforced by (implicit) social expectations. Support, we argue, should enable caregivers to reflect on what norms and values guide their responses while acknowledging that caring, despite being burdensome, can be a highly important and rewarding part of the relationship between partners or family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike M. Haan
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ healthcare, P.O. Box 9101, 160, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gert Olthuis
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ healthcare, P.O. Box 9101, 160, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jelle L. P. van Gurp
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ healthcare, P.O. Box 9101, 160, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Winners and Losers in Palliative Care Service Delivery: Time for a Public Health Approach to Palliative and End of Life Care. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9121615. [PMID: 34946341 PMCID: PMC8702146 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9121615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Consumer experience of palliative care has been inconsistently and selectively investigated. Methods: People in Western Australia who had experienced a life limiting illness in the past five years were recruited via social media and care organisations (2020) and invited to complete a cross sectional consumer survey on their experiences of the care they received. Results: 353 bereaved carers, current carers and patients responded. The winners, those who received the best quality end-of-life care, were those who were aware of palliative care as an end-of-life care (EOLC) option, qualified for admission to and were able to access a specialist palliative care program, and with mainly a cancer diagnosis. The losers, those who received end-of-life care that was adequate rather than best practice, were those who were unaware of palliative care as an EOLC option or did not qualify for or were unable to access specialist palliative care and had mainly a non-cancer diagnosis. Both groups were well supported throughout their illness by family and a wider social network. However, their family carers were not adequately supported by health services during caregiving and bereavement. Conclusions: A public health approach to palliative and end of life care is proposed to integrate tertiary, primary, and community services through active consumer engagement in the design and delivery of care. Therefore, suggested strategies may also have relevance in many other international settings.
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18
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Li Y, Liu L, Yan R, Su C, Guo H, Li X, Yue S. Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Head and Neck Information Needs Questionnaire for patients with head and neck cancer and their caregivers. Int J Nurs Sci 2021; 8:354-360. [PMID: 34307786 PMCID: PMC8283703 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Head and Neck Information Needs Questionnaire (HaNiQ). Methods The HaNiQ was translated into a Chinese version using internationally recognized forward- and back-translation procedures. The reliability and validity of the HaNiQ were measured using Cronbach's α coefficient, split-half reliability, exploratory factor analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results A total of 207 patients in different head and neck cancer (HNC) stages and 174 caregivers completed the Chinese version of the HaNiQ. Internal consistencies varied between good and very well (Cronbach's α coefficient 0.74-0.90); the split-half coefficient and the content validity index (CVI) of the questionnaire were 83.5% and 83.33%, respectively. The cumulative contribution rates of the 5 subscales in patients with HNCand their caregivers were 62.41% and 61.19%, respectively. However, there are some differences between the Chinese questionnaire for caregiver and the original questionnaire regarding the attribution of items. Items 22, 23, and 27 in the Psychosocial subscale of the English version were assigned to the Survivorship subscale in the Chinese version for caregivers. Conclusions The results demonstrated that the Chinese version of the HaNiQ is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring the information needs of patients with HNC and that of their caregivers. Though the structure of the Chinese version was different from the English version for caregivers of HNC patients, the Chinese version of the HaNiQ appears to be reliable and would benefit from further testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Ji'nan, China
| | - Lihui Liu
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Rong Yan
- Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Ji'nan, China
| | - Chunxiang Su
- School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Guo
- School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shujin Yue
- School of Nursing, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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19
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Weaver MS, Wiener L, Moon MM, Gordon B, Kelly KP, Hinds PS. Family Caregiver Partnerships in Palliative Care Research Design and Implementation. Pediatrics 2021; 148:peds.2020-049403. [PMID: 34103377 PMCID: PMC8276591 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-049403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Meaghann S. Weaver
- Division of Palliative Care, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital and Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska,National Center for Ethics in Healthcare, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Lori Wiener
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Michelle M. Moon
- Parent, Division of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada
| | - Bruce Gordon
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Katherine Patterson Kelly
- Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice and Quality, Children's National Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Pamela S. Hinds
- Department of Nursing Science, Professional Practice and Quality, Children's National Hospital and Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia
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20
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Vlckova K, Polakova K, Tuckova A, Houska A, Loucka M. Views of patients with advanced disease and their relatives on participation in palliative care research. BMC Palliat Care 2021; 20:80. [PMID: 34090400 PMCID: PMC8180046 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-021-00779-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with advanced disease may not be invited to participate in research based on the assumption that participation would be too burdensome for them. The aim of this study was to explore how patients with advanced disease and their relatives evaluate their experience with research participation. Method This study used data from two parts of a larger project. The first dataset was a cross-sectional questionnaire study focused on priorities at the end of life. The second dataset used a longitudinal design with structured interviews on prognostic awareness. In both studies, participants evaluated their experience on a 5-point Likert scale and specified their motivation in an open-ended question. Data were collected in 6 hospitals in the Czech Republic with patients with advanced disease and life expectancy less than 1 year and their relatives. Data were analysed using non-parametric tests and thematic analysis. Results First dataset consisted of 167 patients and 102 relatives, and second dataset consisted of 135 patients and 92 relatives (in total, 496 respondents). Results were similar in both datasets, with half of the sample (53%, 48%) scoring neutral, and over 30% of the sample identified their experience as interesting. The most significant factors associated with the evaluation were religiosity (p = 0.001) and the type of diagnosis (p = 0.04). Motivation for participation was to improve care, support research, express own opinion, opportunity to talk and trusting relationship. Conclusions Patients with advanced disease and relatives do not mind participating in palliative care research, and it can be even a positive experience for them. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12904-021-00779-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Vlckova
- Center, for Palliative Care, Dykova 15, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic. .,First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Kristyna Polakova
- Center, for Palliative Care, Dykova 15, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Tuckova
- Center, for Palliative Care, Dykova 15, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic.,Faculty of Social Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Houska
- Center, for Palliative Care, Dykova 15, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic.,First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Loucka
- Center, for Palliative Care, Dykova 15, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic.,Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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21
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Gawinski L, Stiel S, Schneider N, Zimmermann T, Herbst FA. Methodological Reflections on the Recruitment of Adult Child-Parent Dyads for End-of-Life Research in Germany: Experiences From the Dy@EoL Study. J Pain Symptom Manage 2021; 61:1196-1204.e1. [PMID: 33091583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2020.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Although high-quality research with patients and family members is needed to improve palliative care, difficulties in recruitment are often reported. OBJECTIVES The present article analyzes the authors' experiences in recruiting participants of two types of dyads for the study "Dy@EoL-Interaction at the end of life in dyads of parents and adult children". Recruitment challenges and factors found to improve recruitment are examined. METHODS Between February 2018 and November 2019, the research team cooperated with diverse inpatient and ambulatory palliative and hospice care providers to recruit both dyads. Cooperation strategies and adaptations were protocolled. Data on (non-)participation were recorded and analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS The recruitment rate was 34.6% (dyad 1, terminally ill adult children with parents: 36.4%; dyad 2, terminally ill parents with adult children: 33.9%). In total, 82.2% of participants were recruited from inpatient settings. The research team has applied various strategies, such as public outreach activities and the extension of recruitment partners. The study protocol was adapted at an early stage to include single participants. Of all patients, 47.7% participated without their dyad partner. The main reason to exclude their family member was the patients' wish to protect them from extraburden. CONCLUSION The recruitment was more successful in inpatient than in ambulatory settings. The extension of recruitment partners was beneficial to recruit participants from ambulatory contexts. The inclusion of single participants was conducive as a great number of patients participated without their dyad partner. Sharing the obtained experiences can be helpful for future research planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Gawinski
- Institute for General Practice, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.
| | - Stephanie Stiel
- Institute for General Practice, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Nils Schneider
- Institute for General Practice, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Tanja Zimmermann
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Franziska A Herbst
- Institute for General Practice, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
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22
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Reggio C, Mowbray C, Waldron MK, Rood AL, Sibilia G, Mooney-Doyle K, Hinds PS. "It Can Be Hard But It's Not Bad": Three Questions to Solicit Caregiver Perceptions of Benefits and Burdens to Participating in Pediatric Palliative Care Research. J Palliat Med 2021; 24:1641-1649. [PMID: 33902327 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: To allay uneasiness among clinicians and institutional review board members about pediatric palliative care research and to yield new knowledge relevant to study methods, documenting burdens and benefits of this research on children and their families is essential. Design: In a grounded theory study with three data points (T1, T2, and T3), we evaluated benefits and burdens of family caregiver participation at T3. English-speaking caregivers participating in palliative or end-of-life decisions for their child with incurable cancer or their seriously ill child in the intensive care unit participated. Thirty-seven caregivers (n = 22 from oncology; n = 15 from intensive care) of 33 children completed T3 interviews; most were mothers (n = 25, 67.6%), African American (n = 18, 48.6%), and married (n = 28, 75.7%). Measurement: Benefits and burdens were assessed by three open-ended questions asked by an interviewer during a scheduled telephone contact. Responses were analyzed using descriptive semantic content analysis techniques and themes were extracted. Results: All 37 T3 participants completed the 3 questions, resulting in no missing data. The most frequently reported themes were of positive personal impact: "Hoping to help others," "Speaking about what is hard is important," and "Being in the study was sometimes hard but not bad." Conclusions: No caregiver described the study as burdensome. Some acknowledged that answering the questions could evoke sad memories, but highlighted benefits for self and others. Attrition somewhat tempers the emphasis on benefits. Documenting perceived benefits and burdens in a standardized manner may accurately convey impact of study participation and yield new knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Reggio
- Division of Nursing, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Catriona Mowbray
- Division of Oncology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mia K Waldron
- Division of Nursing, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Adelaide L Rood
- Department of Nursing, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Gabriella Sibilia
- The Conway School of Nursing, The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kim Mooney-Doyle
- University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Pamela S Hinds
- Division of Nursing, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Durepos P, Akhtar-Danesh N, Ploeg J, Sussman T, Kaasalainen S. Caring ahead: Mixed methods development of a questionnaire to measure caregiver preparedness for end-of-life with dementia. Palliat Med 2021; 35:768-784. [PMID: 33619975 PMCID: PMC8022086 DOI: 10.1177/0269216321994732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Family caregivers of persons with dementia often feel unprepared for end-of-life and preparedness predicts caregiver outcomes in bereavement. Existing questionnaires assessing preparedness have limitations. A multi-dimensional questionnaire assessing family caregiver preparedness for the end-of-life of persons with dementia is needed to identify caregivers at risk for negative outcomes in bereavement and evaluate the quality of strategies within a palliative approach. AIM To develop a multi-dimensional questionnaire titled 'Caring Ahead' to assess feelings of preparedness for end-of-life in family caregivers of persons with dementia. DESIGN A mixed methods, sequential design employed semi-structured interviews, a Delphi-survey and pilot-testing of the questionnaire, June 2018 to July 2019. SETTING/POPULATION Participants included five current and 16 bereaved family caregivers of persons with symptoms advanced dementia from long-term care homes in Ontario, Canada; and 12 professional experts from clinical and academic settings in Canada, Europe, United States. RESULTS Interviews generated three core concepts and 114 indicators of preparedness sampling cognitive, affective and behavioural traits in four domains (i.e., medical, psychosocial, spiritual, practical). Indicators were translated and reduced to a pool of 73 potential questionnaire items. 30-items were selected to create the 'Caring Ahead' preparedness questionnaire through a Delphi-survey. Items were revised through a pilot-test with cognitive interviewing. CONCLUSIONS Family caregivers' feelings of preparedness for end-of-life need to be assessed and the quality of strategies within a palliative approach evaluated. Future psychometric testing of the Caring Ahead questionnaire will evaluate evidence for validity and reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Durepos
- Faculty of Nursing, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | - Noori Akhtar-Danesh
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jenny Ploeg
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Aging, Community and Health Research Unit, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Tamara Sussman
- School of Social Work, McGill University, Montreal, QB, Canada
| | - Sharon Kaasalainen
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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24
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AKTURAN S, AYRALER A, KUMLU G. Determination of Perceived Stress Levels of Caregivers of Inpatients in Oncologic Palliative Care Service and Factors Affecting Stress: A Cross-sectional Study. KONURALP TIP DERGISI 2020. [DOI: 10.18521/ktd.638711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Breen LJ, Johnson AR, O'Connor M, Howting D, Aoun SM. Challenges in Palliative Care Research on Family Caregivers: Who Volunteers for Interviews? J Palliat Med 2020; 24:112-115. [PMID: 32255736 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2019.0672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Interviews are a common method of data collection in palliative care research because they facilitate the gathering of rich, experiential data that are important for theory and practice. What is less clear is the extent to which those interviewed are representative of the larger group. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine if family caregivers who volunteer to be interviewed were similar or different to those who do not. Design: This study used data from the Caregiving and Bereavement study, a prospective, longitudinal mixed-methods study of family caregivers' general health, quality of life, and grief. Setting/Subjects: The 16 caregivers who volunteered to be interviewed were compared to the 20 who did not. Measurements: Comparisons were made in terms of the caregivers' demographic characteristics as well as measures of their quality of life, general health, general grief, and caregiver prolonged grief (i.e., before death). Results: Compared to caregivers who did not volunteer for an interview, those who volunteered were significantly older and reported less caregiver prolonged grief. Logistic regression showed that for each 1-unit increase in the caregiver prolonged grief score, individuals were 13% less likely to agree to an interview. Conclusions: Research findings based upon family caregivers who volunteer for research interviews might not provide a full picture of their experiences and needs. Researchers are encouraged to consider strategies that sample broadly and promote the participation of the full range of family caregivers in research to address the neglected areas of pre- and postdeath bereavement care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J Breen
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew R Johnson
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Moira O'Connor
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Denise Howting
- Centre for Medical Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.,Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Samar M Aoun
- Public Health Palliative Care Unit, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Axelsson L, Alvariza A, Carlsson N, Cohen SR, Sawatzky R, Årestedt K. Measuring quality of life in life-threatening illness - content validity and response processes of MQOL-E and QOLLTI-F in Swedish patients and family carers. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:40. [PMID: 32213170 PMCID: PMC7098088 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00549-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire - Expanded (MQOL-E) and the Quality of Life in Life-Threatening Illness-Family Carer/Caregiver version (QOLLTI-F) are developed for use with patients facing the end of life and their family carers, respectively. They are also developed for possible use as companion instruments. Contemporary measurement validity theory places emphasis on response processes, i.e. what people feel and think when responding to items. Response processes may be affected when measurement instruments are translated and adapted for use in different cultures. The aim of this study was to translate and examine content validity and response processes during completion of MQOL-E and QOLLTI-F version 2 (v2) among Swedish patients with life-threatening illness and their family carers. Methods The study was conducted in two stages (I) translation and adaptation (II) examination of content validity and response processes using cognitive interviews with 15 patients and 9 family carers. Participants were recruited from the hemodialysis unit, heart clinic, lung clinic and specialized palliative care of a Swedish county hospital. Patients had life-threatening illness such as advanced heart failure, advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, end-stage kidney disease or advanced cancer. Patients were outpatients, inpatients or receiving home care. Results Patients and family carers respectively believed that the items of the MQOL-E and QOLLTI-F v2 reflect relevant and important areas of their quality of life. Although some items needed more time for reflection, both instruments were considered easy to understand. Some changes were made to resolve issues of translation. Participants expressed that reflecting on their situation while answering questions was valuable and meaningful to them, and that responding was an opportunity to express feelings. Conclusions The results of response processes pertaining to the Swedish translations of both MQOL-E and QOLLTI-F v2 contribute evidence regarding content validity, linguistic equivalence and cultural appropriateness of the translated instruments. In addition, results show that the instruments may support conversations on matters of importance for quality of life between patients and/or family carers and health care professionals. Further research is needed to study the psychometric properties of Swedish translations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Axelsson
- Department of Nursing Science, Sophiahemmet University, Box 5605, 114 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Anette Alvariza
- Department of Health Care Sciences/ Palliative Research Centre, Ersta Sköndal Bräcke University College, Stockholm, Sweden.,Capio Palliative Care, Dalen hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nina Carlsson
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - S Robin Cohen
- Departments of Oncology and Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.,Lady Davis Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Richard Sawatzky
- School of Nursing, Trinity Western University, Langley, Canada.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence HealthCare, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.,Sahlgrenska Academy University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristofer Årestedt
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden.,The Research Section, Region Kalmar County, Kalmar, Sweden
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Preferences to Receive Information about Palliative Care for Adult Patients. J Christ Nurs 2020; 37:88-93. [PMID: 32149908 DOI: 10.1097/cnj.0000000000000710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This research study aimed to describe preferences about factors related to receiving information regarding medical treatments and palliative care (PC) options for adult patients with a poor prognosis and/or their primary decision maker. A single-group descriptive study design and content analysis were utilized. Seven trained registered nurse (RN) study team members conducted interviews to obtain narrative data. All study participants preferred to learn PC services earlier in the illness trajectory and desired to learn about this service from nurses. Most reported a desire to have spouses and family involved in decisions about PC. Nearly all wanted to understand PC options ahead of time should treatment not go as planned.
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Breen LJ, Aoun SM, O'Connor M, Johnson AR, Howting D. Effect of caregiving at end of life on grief, quality of life and general health: A prospective, longitudinal, comparative study. Palliat Med 2020; 34:145-154. [PMID: 31659934 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319880766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Determining the effect of caregiving and bereavement remains a challenge. To date, no study has employed a comparison group to investigate caregivers' grief, quality of life and general health in relation to non-caregivers. AIM We aimed to determine how caregivers' grief, quality of life and general health changed following death compared to non-caregivers and whether pre-death grief predicted these outcomes. DESIGN A prospective, longitudinal study of family caregivers and a comparison group matched for age, gender and postcode was conducted. All participants completed questionnaires at four points - once pre-death and three times post-death (3-4 months, 6-7 months and 9-10 months). SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Participants (N = 70) were family caregivers of persons receiving palliative care, mostly for cancer, recruited from three palliative care providers in Western Australia and matched comparisons recruited from advertisements. RESULTS There were significant differences between the caregivers' and comparisons' grief, general health and quality of life at pre-death, 3-4 months and 6-7 months post-death, but not at 9-10 months post-death. The rate of progression in these constructs following death was independent from the intensity of pre-death grief. However, caregiver prolonged grief score significantly predicted prolonged grief score at 6-7 and 9-10 months post-death. CONCLUSION It took 9-10 months for the caregivers' grief, general health and quality of life to correspond to the comparison group. These findings present an opportunity for palliative care research and practice to consider how best to support the majority of caregivers without grief complications so that their pre- and post-death support needs are realised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J Breen
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Samar M Aoun
- Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Moira O'Connor
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | | | - Denise Howting
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.,Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
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TORUN NAZAN. Hasta ailesinin palyatif bakım deneyimleri. CUKUROVA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.17826/cumj.559077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Virdun C, Luckett T, Gilmore I, Brassil M, Lilian R, Lorenz K, Phillips J. Involving consumers with palliative care needs and their families in research: A case study. Collegian 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2019.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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31
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PEHLİVAN ESRA, Balcı A. ORTHOPEDIC PROBLEMS IN FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PALLIATIVE CARE PATIENTS. CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2019. [DOI: 10.33808/clinexphealthsci.532229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the short version of Family Sense of Coherence Scale in a sample of persons with cancer in the palliative stage and their family members. Palliat Support Care 2019; 18:24-32. [PMID: 31495345 DOI: 10.1017/s1478951519000592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES For patients' entire families, it can be challenging to live with cancer during the palliative stage. However, a sense of coherence buffers stress and could help health professionals identify families that require support. Therefore, the short version of the Family Sense of Coherence Scale (FSOC-S) was translated, culturally adapted, and validated in a Swedish sample. METHODS Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the FSOC-S into Swedish was conducted in accordance with the World Health Organization's Process for Translation and Adaptation of Research Instruments guidelines. Participants were recruited from two oncology clinics and two palliative centers in Sweden. RESULTS Content validity was supported by experts (n = 7), persons with cancer (n = 179), and family members (n = 165). Homogeneity among items was satisfactory for persons with cancer and family members (item-total correlations were 0.45‒0.70 and 0.55‒0.72, respectively) as well as internal consistency (ordinal alpha = 0.91 and 0.91, respectively). Factor analyses supported unidimensionality. FSOC-S correlated (rs > 0.3) with hope, anxiety, and symptoms of depression, which supported convergent validity. The test-retest reliability for items ranged between fair and good (kw = 0.37‒0.61). SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS The FSOC-S has satisfactory measurement properties to assess family sense of coherence in persons with cancer and their family members. FSOC-S could be used to identify family members who experience low levels of perceived family sense of coherence which provides health care professionals with insight into families' needs and ability to live with cancer in the palliative stage.
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Chambers E, Gardiner C, Thompson J, Seymour J. Patient and carer involvement in palliative care research: An integrative qualitative evidence synthesis review. Palliat Med 2019; 33:969-984. [PMID: 31250702 PMCID: PMC6691598 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319858247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient/carer involvement in palliative care research has been reported as complex, difficult and less advanced compared to other areas of health and social care research. There is seemingly limited evidence on impact and effectiveness. AIM To examine the evidence regarding patient/carer involvement in palliative care research and identify the facilitators, barriers, impacts and gaps in the evidence base. DESIGN Qualitative evidence synthesis using an integrative review approach and thematic analysis. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases were searched up to March 2018. Additional methods included searching websites and ongoing/unpublished studies, author searching and contacting experts. Eligibility criteria were based on the SPICE (Setting, Perspective, Intervention, Comparison, Evaluation) framework. Two quality assessments on methodology and involvement were undertaken. RESULTS A total of 93 records were included. Eight main themes were identified, mainly concerning facilitators and barriers to effective patient and carer involvement in palliative care research: definitions/roles, values/principles, organisations/culture, training/support, networking/groups, perspectives/diversity, relationships/communication and emotions/impact. Evidence on the impact of involvement was limited, but when carried out effectively, involvement brought positive benefits for all concerned, improving the relevance and quality of research. Evidence gaps were found in non-cancer populations and collaborative/user-led involvement. CONCLUSION Evidence identified suggests that involvement in palliative care research is challenging, but not dissimilar to that elsewhere. The facilitators and barriers identified relate mainly to the conduct of researchers at an individual level; in particular, there exists a reluctance among professionals to undertake involvement, and myths still perpetuate that patients/carers do not want to be involved. A developed infrastructure, more involvement-friendly organisational cultures and a strengthening of the evidence base would also be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Chambers
- The School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Clare Gardiner
- The School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jill Thompson
- The School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jane Seymour
- The School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Hopper A, Crane S. Evaluation of the burdens and benefits of participation in research by parents of children with life-limiting illnesses. Nurse Res 2019; 27:8-13. [PMID: 31468872 DOI: 10.7748/nr.2019.e1617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research is needed to improve care and diminish suffering for children with life-limiting illnesses and their parents. However, there are doubts about whether it is possible to conduct paediatric end of life research safely and ethically, as it may unduly burden or inadvertently harm participants. AIM To compare and evaluate responses from participants to the assessments of burdens and benefits that were conducted at two timepoints during a phenomenological study that investigated parents' experiences of having a child with life-limiting cancer participate in a Phase I clinical trial. DISCUSSION Parents reported that participating in the study was beneficial and resulted in minimal burden or distress. The assessment of benefits and burdens at the first timepoint appeared sufficient to understand participants' experiences. CONCLUSION This study adds to the evidence that research may be safely and effectively conducted with parents of children who are deceased or have life-limiting illnesses. Further research is needed to evaluate the most effective timing of assessments of the burdens and benefits of their participation in research. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE It is important when conducting research with people with life-limiting illnesses or their family members to assess the burdens and benefits of their participation, to understand their experiences and assist in its conduct.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stacey Crane
- Cizik School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center, Texas, US
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35
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Engbers RA. Informal Caregivers' Perceptions of Needs From Hospice Providers: An Integrative Review. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2019; 36:1114-1123. [PMID: 30991813 DOI: 10.1177/1049909119842365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the United States, informal caregivers (ICs) provide care to over 70% of patients at the end of life. Approximately 500 000 ICs contribute to the end-of-life care for patients in the United Kingdom. Hospice care is expanding worldwide to meet the needs of these ICs. Because ICs play an instrumental role in the provision of hospice services, and their perspective of their needs of formal services requires further clarity, the purpose of this review is to synthesize research that elucidates perceptions of ICs regarding their experiences with hospice providers. METHODS Twelve research studies regarding perceptions of informal hospice caregivers were obtained by searching CINAHL, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE databases. RESULTS Four primary themes emerged that describe what ICs perceive as beneficial contributions of hospice providers in aiding their caregiving: providing easy access to desired care, building up the caregiver, forming a relationship, and utilizing culturally relevant interpersonal skills. CONCLUSION Particular attention must be paid to ensuring that the IC is acknowledged as an expert part of the team. Clearly explaining available services, creating better ways to ease the IC's transition from caregiving to bereavement, and recruiting minority hospice providers are other important efforts that could improve the caregiving experience. The needs of ICs are complex, but by listening to their perspective, we can begin to clarify the best ways to aid them in their difficult job.
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36
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Leysen B, Van den Eynden B, Janssens A, Wens J. Recruiting general practitioners for palliative care research in primary care: real-life barriers explained. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2019; 20:40. [PMID: 30836994 PMCID: PMC6399951 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-019-0930-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The implementation of early palliative care within a primary care setting is a recent academic topic. Recruiting General Practitioners (GPs) to participate in a palliative care study can be challenging. The pro-Spinoza project implemented a Care Pathway for Primary Palliative Care in 5 areas in Belgium. During this project, the feasibility of the recruitment of GPs and palliative care patients was evaluated. METHODS The recruitment process was recorded in detail via an electronic logbook combining quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative recordings included the contact types and the number of contacts with eligible GPs and were analysed descriptively. Qualitative recordings included field notes with feedback from the GPs and other stakeholders and were thematically analysed starting from the Grol and Wensing framework for professional behaviour change. RESULTS Of 4065 eligible GPs working in 5 areas under research, 787 GPs (19%) were contacted individually, 398 GPs (9,8%) were contacted face-to-face and most of these 398 GPs showed high interest in the topic. 112 GPs (2,8%) signed the collaboration agreement, but finally only 65 GPs (1,6%) delivered at least a completed baseline-questionnaire. Despite the initial interest in participating, the unpredictable and busy daily workloads of the GPs, as well as inexperience with research protocols, impeded the ability of the GPs to fully engage in the study. This resulted in the high dropout rate. Participating GPs reported that they had underestimated the effort required to effectively participate in the project. CONCLUSIONS Recruitment of GPs to palliative care research is challenging. Primary care is a vital service to engage in palliative care research however the practical limitations reduce the ability of the service to effectively engage in the research. More research is needed to determine how GPs might be better supported in research. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02266069 , Registered 16th October 2014, retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Leysen
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp Belgium
| | - B. Van den Eynden
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp Belgium
- Multidisciplinary Pain Centre, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - A. Janssens
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - J. Wens
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Antwerp Belgium
- Multidisciplinary Pain Centre, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
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Abreu-Figueiredo RMS, Sá LOD, Lourenço TMG, Almeida SSBPD. Ansiedade relacionada à morte em cuidados paliativos: validação do diagnóstico de enfermagem. ACTA PAUL ENFERM 2019. [DOI: 10.1590/1982-0194201900025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência do diagnóstico de enfermagem ansiedade relacionada à morte da NANDA-I em cuidadores familiares de doentes paliativos; e validar as características definidoras associadas. Métodos: Estudo transversal, exploratório e descritivo utilizando o Modelo de Validação Clínica de Fehring, em uma amostra de 111 cuidadores familiares de doentes paliativos. Foi calculada a sensibilidade, especificidade e valor preditivo das características definidoras. As questões formuladas para operacionalizar as características definidoras foram validadas por um painel de peritos. Resultados: A prevalência do diagnóstico foi de 38,7% na amostra estudada. Foram alvo de validação clínica 17 características definidoras, oito delas emergiram de uma prévia revisão da literatura. Nove características foram classificadas como principais e oito secundárias. Conclusão: O diagnóstico foi validado em cuidadores familiares de doentes paliativos. A validação clínica de novas características definidoras confirmou a necessidade da sua revisão de modo a estar adequado à clínica. A prevalência do diagnóstico na amostra estudada, indica que este é um fenômeno relevante a que os profissionais devem estar particularmente atentos, de modo a implementar intervenções específicas para minimizar a ansiedade relacionada à morte dos cuidadores familiares de doentes paliativos.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luís Octávio de Sá
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Portugal; Centro de Investigação Multidisciplinar em Saúde, Portugal
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Galatsch M, Prigerson HG, Schnepp W, Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein F, Li J. Caregiver exposure to critical events and distress in home-based palliative care in Germany a cross-sectional study using the Stressful Caregiving Adult Reactions to Experiences of Dying (SCARED) scale. BMC Palliat Care 2019; 18:9. [PMID: 30678682 PMCID: PMC6346516 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-019-0395-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lay family caregivers of patients receiving palliative care often confront stressful situations in the care of their loved ones. This is particularly true for families in the home-based palliative care settings, where the family caregivers are responsible for a substantial amount of the patient’s care. Yet, to our knowledge, no study to date has examined the family caregivers’ exposure to critical events and distress with home-based palliative care has been reported from Germany. Therefore, we attempt to assess family caregiver exposure to the dying patient’s critical health events and relate that to the caregiver’s own psychological distress to examine associations with general health within a home-based palliative care situation in Germany. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 106 family caregivers with home-based palliative care in the Federal State of North Rhine Westphalia, Germany. We administered the Stressful Caregiving Adult Reactions to Experiences of Dying (SCARED) Scale. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models relating general health (SF-36) were used to analyze the data. Results The frequency of the caregiver’s exposure, or witness of, critical health events of the patient ranged from 95.2% “pain/discomfort” to 20.8% “family caregiver thought patient was dead”. The highest distress scores assessing fear and helpfulness were associated with “family caregiver felt patient had enough’” and “family caregiver thought patient was dead”. Linear regression analyses revealed significant inverse associations between SCARED critical health event exposure frequency (beta = .408, p = .025) and total score (beta = .377, p = .007) with general health in family caregivers. Conclusions Family caregivers with home-based palliative care in Germany frequently experience exposure to a large number of critical health events in caring for their family members who are terminally ill. These exposures are associated with the family caregiver’s degree of fear and helplessness and are associated with their worse general health. Thus the SCARED Scale, which is brief and easy to administer, appears able to identify these potentially upsetting critical health events among family caregivers of palliative care patients receiving care at home. Because it identified commonly encountered critical events in these patients and related them to adverse general health of family caregivers, the SCARED may add to clinically useful screens to identify family caregivers who may be struggling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Galatsch
- Research group "FamiLe - Family health in the life course", Department of Nursing Science, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany. .,Department of Nursing Science, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.
| | - Holly G Prigerson
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA.,Cornell Center for Research an End-Of-Life Care, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Wilfried Schnepp
- Research group "FamiLe - Family health in the life course", Department of Nursing Science, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.,Department of Nursing Science, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany
| | - Friederike Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein
- Research group "FamiLe - Family health in the life course", Department of Nursing Science, Witten/Herdecke University, Witten, Germany.,Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Osnabrueck, Osnabrueck, Germany
| | - Jian Li
- Institute of Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Sullivan R, Ugalde A, Sinclair C, Breen LJ. Developing a Research Agenda for Adult Palliative Care: A Modified Delphi Study. J Palliat Med 2018; 22:480-488. [PMID: 30461347 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2018.0462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Little is known about research priorities in adult palliative care. Identifying research priorities for adult palliative care will help in increasing research quality and translation. Objective: The aim was to identify the views of health professionals' research priorities in adult palliative care that lead to development of a palliative care research agenda in Australia. Design: A modified three-round Delphi survey. Setting/Subjects: Palliative care researchers and clinicians in Australia were invited to participate. Results: A total of 25 panelists completed round 1, 14 completed round 2, and 13 completed round 3. Round 1 resulted in 90 research priorities in 13 categories. Round 2 showed consensus agreement on 19/90 research priorities. Round 3 resulted in the top 10 research priorities of the 19 achieving consensus in round 2. Panelists agreed that research is needed on the transition to palliative care; improving communication about prognosis; increasing access to palliative care for indigenous communities, people who wish to remain at home, and people in aged care; addressing family caregivers' needs; promoting patients' and families' decision making; improving cross-cultural aspects of palliative care; determining the effects of assisted dying legislation; and improving bereavement care in rural, remote, and Aboriginal populations. Conclusions: The expert panelists identified the top 10 research priorities for adult palliative care. These identified research priorities are the most urgent topics requiring attention to increase the quality of life of patients requiring palliative care and their family members.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Ugalde
- 2 School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Craig Sinclair
- 3 Rural Clinical School of Western Australia, University of Western Australia (Albany Centre), Albany, Australia
| | - Lauren J Breen
- 1 School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Lowrie D, Ray R, Plummer D, Yau M. Examining the transitions between living and dying roles at end-of-life. DEATH STUDIES 2018; 43:601-610. [PMID: 30285566 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2018.1504836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Improvements in the diagnosis and disclosure of dying mean that nowadays dying people typically live with an awareness of their status for longer than they have previously. However, little is known regarding how transitions between living and dying roles occur during this time. In this grounded theory study, we investigated role transitions at end-of-life. We found that dying people periodically foreground and background living and dying selfhoods, focus on living day-by-day and goal-by-goal and reframe dying roles with an orientation to living. We argue that with better understanding of role transitions at end-of-life more compassionate and responsive care becomes possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lowrie
- College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University , Douglas , Australia
| | - Robin Ray
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University , Douglas , Australia
| | - David Plummer
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University , Douglas , Australia
| | - Matthew Yau
- Department of Rehabilitation and Social Sciences, Tung Wah College , Kowloon , Hong Kong
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Alvariza A, Holm M, Benkel I, Norinder M, Ewing G, Grande G, Håkanson C, Öhlen J, Årestedt K. A person-centred approach in nursing: Validity and reliability of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2018; 35:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Aoun SM, Toye C, Slatyer S, Robinson A, Beattie E. A person-centred approach to family carer needs assessment and support in dementia community care in Western Australia. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2018; 26:e578-e586. [PMID: 29635883 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This feasibility study aimed to identify and address the support needs of family carers (FCs) of people living with dementia and to assess whether the use of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) intervention in home-based care was acceptable and relevant to FCs. The CSNAT intervention comprised two FC support needs assessment visits, 7 weeks apart, plus associated actions addressing prioritised needs by the Client Care Advisors of a community care service in Western Australia in 2015. Telephone interviews were conducted with FCs on their experience using the CSNAT at the end of the intervention. Twenty-one FCs were involved in the intervention and 15 of them completed the feedback interviews. Care recipients had moderate to severe dementia. The top five support needs reported by FCs were: having time to yourself in the day; knowing what to expect in the future; practical help in the home; looking after your own health and dealing with your feelings and worries. Three themes summarised their experience: a straightforward structured approach; awareness, acknowledgement and acceptance of their situation; and provision of support. FCs appreciated the opportunity to be heard and acknowledged, to have their practical and psychosocial support needs facilitated, to identify what is important to them and to receive a response in a timely manner. The CSNAT approach offered a structured carer-led, person-centred, supportive intervention that facilitated discussion between the family carer and the service provider about support needs and strategies to address them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar M Aoun
- Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
- Institute of Health Research, Notre Dame University, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Chris Toye
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Nursing Research, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Susan Slatyer
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Centre for Nursing Research, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Andrew Robinson
- Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre, School of Nursing, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Beattie
- Dementia Collaborative Research Centre (DCRC) Carers and Consumers, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
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Breen LJ, Aoun SM, O'Connor M, Howting D, Halkett GKB. Family Caregivers' Preparations for Death: A Qualitative Analysis. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 55:1473-1479. [PMID: 29499235 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Many family caregivers are not prepared for the death of their family member or friend. Palliative care services tend to emphasize the patients' preparation for death rather than caregivers' preparation for, or living after, death. Caregivers' perspectives on anticipating and preparing for death are under-researched, despite preparation being associated with better bereavement outcomes. OBJECTIVES The objective was to explore family caregivers' preparations for death. METHODS A total of 16 family caregivers of people in receipt of palliative care participated in semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using grounded theory techniques. RESULTS Analysis yielded two overarching themes: Here and Now centered on the caregivers' focus on the multidimensional and all-consuming nature of caregiving for someone who is near death. Negotiating the Here/After described the tension the caregivers faced in vacillating between focusing on the care during the illness trajectory (Here) and worries and plans for the future (After). CONCLUSION This exploratory study is the first to focus solely on family caregivers' experiences of preparing for a death. The caregivers described the complexities of trying to prepare while feeling overwhelmed with demands of caregiving throughout an unpredictable illness trajectory. The caregivers in the present study were cognitively prepared, some were behaviorally prepared, but emotional preparedness was challenging. Services should not assume that all family caregivers are well-prepared for the death. Caregivers would likely benefit from the assessment and promotion of their death preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren J Breen
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
| | - Samar M Aoun
- Palliative Care Unit, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Moira O'Connor
- School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Denise Howting
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Georgia K B Halkett
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Aoun SM, Ewing G, Grande G, Toye C, Bear N. The Impact of Supporting Family Caregivers Before Bereavement on Outcomes After Bereavement: Adequacy of End-of-Life Support and Achievement of Preferred Place of Death. J Pain Symptom Manage 2018; 55:368-378. [PMID: 29030206 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2017.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The investigation of the situation of bereaved family caregivers following caregiving during the end-of-life phase of illness has not received enough attention. OBJECTIVES This study investigated the extent to which using the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool (CSNAT) intervention during the caregiving period has affected bereaved family caregivers' perceptions of adequacy of support, their grief and well-being, and achievement of their preferred place of death. METHOD All family caregivers who participated in a stepped-wedge cluster trial of the CSNAT intervention in Western Australia (2012-2014) and completed the pre-bereavement study (n = 322) were invited to take part in a caregiver survey by telephone four to six months after bereavement (2015). The survey measured the adequacy of end-of-life support, the level of grief, the current physical and mental health, and the achievement of the preferred place of death. RESULTS The response rate was 66% (152, intervention; 60, control). The intervention group perceived that their pre-bereavement support needs had been adequately met to a significantly greater extent than the control group (d = 0.43, P < 0.001) and that patients have achieved their preferred place of death more often according to their caregivers (79.6% vs. 63.6%, P = 0.034). There was also a greater agreement on the preferred place of death between patients and their caregivers in the intervention group (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS The results from this study provide evidence that the CSNAT intervention has a positive impact on perceived adequacy of support of bereaved family caregivers and achievement of preferred place of death according to caregivers. The benefits gained by caregivers in being engaged in early and direct assessment of their support needs before bereavement reinforce the need for palliative care services to effectively support caregivers well before the patient's death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar M Aoun
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Adjunct Professor, LaTrobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Gail Ewing
- Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Gunn Grande
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Chris Toye
- School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Centre for Nursing Research, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Natasha Bear
- Department of Clinical Research and Education, Child and Adolescent Health Services, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Bates MJ, Ardrey J, Mphwatiwa T, Squire SB, Niessen LW. Enhanced patient research participation: a Photovoice study in Blantyre Malawi. BMJ Support Palliat Care 2018; 8:171-174. [PMID: 29420196 PMCID: PMC5969331 DOI: 10.1136/bmjspcare-2017-001439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Patient involvement in palliative care research is a desirable if challenging goal. Photovoice is an action research method in which affected communities gather photographs to document and discuss their communities’ strengths and concerns. Engagement with policymakers is a separately stated goal. Photovoice is increasingly used in health-related research but has not been widely described in the palliative care literature. We report on experiences and lessons learnt using Photovoice in Blantyre, Malawi to encourage its wider use in research and practice. Methods Thirteen co-researchers (six patients and seven household carers, mean age 47 years) receiving community-based palliative care, attended nine half-day group sessions over a 4-month period. Co-researchers produced, selected and analysed photographs. On completion of data collection, they conducted an advocacy event, including a photographic exhibition, to which media representatives and community leaders were invited. Results Procedures to ensure safety of co-researchers and to obtain consent of individuals identified in the photographs were developed during the planning phase. Co-researchers engaged with the Photovoice process with enthusiasm, although frailty and physical disability (poor sight) limited participation for some older adults. Inclusion of palliative care staff within the research team helped to facilitate open dialogue and clinical review where appropriate. Conclusions In this Photovoice study, patients and family members receiving palliative care engaged in an exploration of household well-being using photography, participatory analysis and an advocacy event. With appropriate planning, Photovoice can be adapted to a range of settings to enhance patient participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Jane Bates
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jane Ardrey
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK.,Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Treza Mphwatiwa
- African Network for the Care of Children Affected by HIV and AIDS, College of Medicine, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Stephen Bertel Squire
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Louis Willem Niessen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
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Recruiting participants to a randomized controlled trial testing an intervention in palliative cancer care – The perspectives of health care professionals. Eur J Oncol Nurs 2017; 31:6-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejon.2017.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Costello J. Research roundup. Int J Palliat Nurs 2017; 23:204-205. [PMID: 28486064 DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2017.23.4.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Synopses of a selection of recently published research articles of relevance to palliative care.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Costello
- Senior Lecturer, University of Manchester School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work
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